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The Benefits of Running: Experiencing a Natural High

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There are some ways that you can experience a completely natural high, a high that doesn't come from resorting to drugs or drinking lots of coffee. Running will release endorphins in the body that will make you feel naturally high and alert.

What Are Endorphins?

Endorphins are a group of neurotransmitters. These chemicals can change the behavior and emotions in the brain. About twenty different endorphins have so far been identified. These endorphins can be released to help the body deal with pain or stress. The endorphins work in a similar way to opiate drugs, including morphine. By stimulating the production of endorphins, you can experience the natural high.

This natural high will make you feel more pleasure and less pain. These endorphins will also make the immune system much more effective, and you will feel less hungry.

Natural High

If you have been running or working out for some time, then it's normal to have a lot of positive thoughts in your mind. This is due to the increased endorphins in your brain. The natural high is also sometimes called the runner's high. These happy feelings should be enough to encourage you to continue with your exercise.

The release of endorphins while exercising is one of the common reasons you will not feel any pain or aches until after you have finished.

Other Benefits of Running

There are also lots of other benefits that you can obtain from running. When running, you will help the circulation in your body. This should strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles. Running will also strengthen your immune system and make your whole body much stronger.

Running regularly will help to slow down the aging process. This means that the signs of aging will be less apparent. Of course, one of the most common reasons most people run is to lose weight. Running regularly will also help to speed up the body's metabolism, which will make losing weight much easier.

Not Just Running

There are many different activities that can cause endorphins to be released in your brain. The most common way people experience this is through a long period of exercise. The endorphin release can also be experienced when eating a hot chili pepper, going for a ride on a roller coaster or having sex. The same benefits can be achieved by hitting the gym.

Why Are Endorphins Released?

It's not known for sure why endorphins are released. It's thought that it's the body's natural way of dealing with pain. When running or exercising, it is normal to feel uncomfortable. The endorphins will reduce discomfort and increase pleasure, which helps you to push on.

A Word of Warning

While running is very healthy and the endorphins themselves are nothing to worry about, it's still important to be careful. It's possible to become addicted to exercise. This can cause health problems, which is why it's so important to look out for the warning signs of exercise addiction. These include exercising even when ill or missing other appointments in order to exercise. Sufferers of this addiction might also get depressed if they are unable to exercise even for fairly short periods.

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